This is my first DSLR. I tend to do a lot of research on things (especially with electronics) before I buy them. I decided on the XT and it has surpassed my expectations.
I was kind of a backup photographer at my brothers wedding and after comparing pictures mine were better than the professional he hired. Even his bride agreed . Of course I read plenty about how to use a dslr but there is no substitute for experience and at that point I didn't have much. The fact that I got such great pictures being such a newbie was certainly encouraging.
Since then I have accumulated a decent array of lenses with my prized possession being the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. When you boil it down this camera can do just about anything that the higher priced crop bodies can and it costs much less. Overall, you will get a much better picture at the same price by spending the extra money on good lenses. If money is no object then by all means spend the premium for the few added benefits but if you want the best bang for the buck slr this is very hard to beat. I certainly don't know anyone who would consider it a bad choice.